kraadiõppes
Kraadiõpe refers to higher education studies in Estonia that lead to a recognized academic degree. It encompasses Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels. Bachelor's studies typically last three to four years and provide foundational knowledge and skills in a specific field. Upon completion, students are awarded a Bachelor's degree. Master's studies follow Bachelor's degrees and usually take one to two years, offering specialization and in-depth research opportunities. A Master's degree is awarded upon successful completion. Doctoral studies, the highest level of academic pursuit, are focused on original research and contribute new knowledge to a discipline. These programs typically span three to five years, culminating in the defense of a doctoral dissertation and the award of a Doctoral degree. Kraadiõpe in Estonia is offered by universities and certain other higher education institutions, and the system is largely aligned with the Bologna Process, ensuring comparability of qualifications across Europe. Admission to kraadiõpe programs is competitive and usually requires a secondary education certificate for Bachelor's level, a Bachelor's degree for Master's, and a Master's degree for Doctoral studies.